Analytical methods for geochemical exploration / Аналитические методы для геохимических исследований

Analytical Methods for Geochemical Exploration covers chemical analysis methodology mainly for the determination of base metals and precious metals in geochemical exploration samples. It is meant for the practicing analyst. No principles of geochemical exploration are included since this constitutes specialist material that has been the subject of other books (1, 2). The theory of chemical analytical methods has been kept to a minimum. Complete procedures have been provided in most cases so that no additional sources are necessary to finish the analyses. To avoid misinterpretations, the authors' descriptions of equipment and reagents have been left as complete as possible.

Chemical analysis methodology has been chosen as follows: Preference has been given to procedures that have evidence of thorough testing. At the head of this list are methods that have been tested using standard reference samples or have been a part of interlaboratory comparison studies, or both. Responsibility for the choice of methodology rests totally with the authors. We are painfully aware of the probability that some good methods have been overlooked. For this we apologize. Careful use of the methods printed in this book, however, should result in the acquisition of reliable data.

A wide variety of instrumental techniques is currently used in geochemical exploration. Among these we have found that atomic absorption, plasma source atomic emission, and x-ray fluorescence greatly predominate. To make the book concise and yet as useful to most laboratories as possible, we have limited our coverage primarily to these three techniques. An exception to this rule is Chapter 10, in which plasma source mass spectrometry is introduced. We believe this technique, just now beginning to make an inroad into geochemical work, is of such great promise as to warrant its brief inclusion here. In our view, plasma source mass spectrometry will make possible routine isotopic ratio work. <...>